A project to remove decaying and unhealthy trees in Preston’s Winckley Square Gardens will begin this Thursday (February 25th 2016) ahead of a £1.2million restoration scheme.

This initial project covers the removal of seventeen trees from the Gardens, which are in poor health and condition.

The decaying trees are to be removed as a precursor to the £1.2million revamp of the historic Winckley Square Gardens, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.

The £1.2m scheme has been led by the Winckley Square Community Interest Company (WSCIC) and Groundwork in partnership with Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, Preston BID and Preston Historical Society. It is expected to start in May and be completed by the end of 2016.

The tree removal plan has been developed alongside arboricultural experts from Myerscough College, and has secured planning approval from Preston City Council. The works will be carried out by a qualified and experienced arboricultural contractor.

David Gill, chairman of WSCIC, said: “The removal works are part of an overall strategy to sustain and enhance the Gardens’ historic tree population which gives Winckley Square such a treasured character.

“All trees removed from the Gardens will be compensated for with replacement planting to ensure that the Square’s tree population remains healthy and strong for years to come.”

Ben Williams, Project Manager at Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside, added: “Prior to instructing this work, the trees were inspected by a qualified ecologist to ensure that there is no harm to any rare or protected species arising from the works.

“The work will all be carried out from within the Gardens, so while there might be some temporary restrictions on access within and around the Gardens, the road network will not be affected and all deliveries and visits to the area will remain unaffected.

“Over 30 new trees will be planted later in 2016 which will reinforce the Gardens’ Georgian character while ensuring Winckley Square has a well-planned, splendid tree population for future generations.”

David Gill added: “This small project is a vital precursor to the main scheme and the whole community will be delighted to see progress.”

Click here to read the announcement from June 2015 that Funding for £1.2m Winckley Square Gardens restoration is approved.

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